Thursday's Daily Pulse

What you need to know about Florida today

| 4/11/2013

Nevada surpasses Florida in foreclosures

Nevada posted the nation’s highest foreclosure rate in March, surpassing Florida, according to RealtyTrac Inc. One in 306 homes in Nevada was in some stage of foreclosure last month. The Sunshine State ranked second, with one in 317 homes in the foreclosure process. Florida had the highest rate for six consecutive months. Read more from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and RealtyTrac.

This year it starts April 29 — but without its heart and centerpiece: the U.S. Navy. Yep, you read that right — we are going to have a fleet less Fleet Week. Due to the federal budget cuts known as sequestration, the U.S. Navy won’t be sending ships. The week isn’t cancelled — there will still be some events to honor military veterans: golf and fishing tournaments, a Miami Marlins game and other events. [Source: Miami Herald]

Voters back paid sick days, distrust lawmakers

Florida residents strongly back laws requiring paid sick time and "living wages" for workers, but they don't trust state lawmakers to handle such issues, a statewide poll finds. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]

Florida and federal court clash over health privacy laws

In a clash between state and federal powers, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled unanimously that a strict federal health privacy law trumps a more lenient, decades-old Florida statute that governs access to health records. The result complicates life for family members, challenges Florida legislators and cheers the state’s nursing home operators, who’ve been caught in the middle of conflicting mandates. [Source: McClatchy]

Gov. Rick Scott signs Internet cafe ban into law

Gov. Rick Scott has signed a bill to give law enforcement authorities better tools to put an end to illegal gambling devices in strip malls and arcades throughout the state. With no fanfare, the governor signed the bill in the privacy of his office Wednesday when he returned to the Capitol after making a jobs announcement earlier in Lakeland. [Source: Times/Herald]

› UF researchers show brain’s battle for attention[UF News] We’ve all been there: You’re at work deeply immersed in a project when suddenly you start thinking about your weekend plans. It happens because behind the scenes, parts of your brain are battling for control.

› Speedway Corp. brings 'multicultural' expertise to board[Daytona Beach News-Journal] International Speedway Corp. officials have made no secret of their desire to diversify NASCAR's fan base by attracting younger fans and minorities, in part through increased use of social media marketing efforts.